Jimmy Newman shows off the Northern Kentucky Health Department's mosquito traps. The traps use dry ice and lights to attract and capture the mosquitoes in a mesh bag.(Photo: Sarah Brookbank/The Community Recorder)

The Northern Kentucky Health Department is combating the Zika virus though monitoring the local mosquito population.

In a press conference on Thursday, the department said monitoring the mosquito population will help give them an idea of how the virus might spread since only certain types of mosquitoes can transmit Zika.

Lynne Saddler, director of health at the Northern Kentucky Health Department said there have been seven cases of the Zika virus in Kentucky.

In Ohio, the number is up to 20 according to the state health department. So far, there are only two confirmed cases in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati Area.

While symptoms are minor - red eyes, fever, joint pain and rash - the virus can also cause birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected.

Local cases of Zika have been contracted while the person is traveling. While there are no local infection cases, those bringing Zika back to the area could infect the local mosquito population, which will then cause the local mosquitoes to spread the virus.

Certain species of Aedes mosquitoes transmit Zika. Saddler said through monitoring local mosquitoes, public health officials can determine the risk for Zika virus by looking at which species are circulating in the region.

Sorted mosquitoes captured by the Northern Kentucky Health Department's traps. The traps have been set up for two weeks.(Photo: Sarah Brookbank/ Community Recorder)

The health department will set up four monitoring stations, in each Northern Kentucky County. If the number of people infected gets worse, the state may ask health departments to test local mosquitoes for the presence of the Zika virus.

Steve Divine, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, said the trapping is similar to what they did during the West Nile Virus outbreak. The traps use dry ice to release carbon dioxide and lights to attract the mosquitoes, both day and night.

The Northern Kentucky Health Department also gave tips to help prevent the spread of the virus.

"Steps we should all be taking are using EPA registered skin-applied insect repellents," Saddler said.

Applying bug spray is essential, especially during the day when this species of mosquito is active. People should also stay in air-conditioned and screened in areas, as well as wearing protective clothing, health officials said.

Divine said getting rid of standing water will help keep the mosquito population down and can prevent the spread of the virus. Divine suggested that people monitor their backyards, birdbaths and pools.